Nissan skyline GTR
Nissan Skyline GT-R is most popular in Japan
Nissan Skyline GT-R – Japan’s Legendary Performance Icon
Overview
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of the most celebrated Japanese performance cars ever made. Originally part of the Skyline range by Prince Motor Company (later merged with Nissan in 1966), the GT-R badge became synonymous with high performance, advanced technology, and motorsport dominance. Produced across multiple generations between 1969 and 2002, the Skyline GT-R is the direct predecessor to the modern Nissan GT-R (R35).
History & Generations
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First Generation (Hakosuka – PGC10/KPGC10, 1969–1972)
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Nicknamed “Hakosuka” (boxy Skyline) by fans.
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2.0L inline-6 S20 engine (160 hp).
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Famous for its lightweight body and racing success in Japan.
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Second Generation (Kenmeri – KPGC110, 1973)
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Short production run due to the oil crisis.
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Similar engine to the first generation.
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More refined design but only 197 units produced.
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Third Generation (R32 GT-R, 1989–1994)
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Nicknamed “Godzilla” by Australian press due to its dominance in touring car racing.
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2.6L twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-6 (280 hp, officially under Japan’s Gentleman’s Agreement).
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Advanced ATTESA E-TS AWD system and Super-HICAS rear-wheel steering.
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Multiple Group A racing titles.
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Fourth Generation (R33 GT-R, 1995–1998)
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Slightly larger and more stable at high speeds.
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Same RB26DETT engine, improved aerodynamics, and safety.
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Special editions like Nismo 400R with ~400 hp.
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Fifth Generation (R34 GT-R, 1999–2002)
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Most advanced Skyline GT-R before the R35 GT-R became a standalone model.
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Updated RB26DETT, advanced multi-function display (MFD) in the dash.
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Popularized globally through video games, movies (Fast & Furious), and motorsports.
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Performance Highlights
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Engine: RB26DETT 2.6L twin-turbo inline-6 (R32–R34)
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Power Output: ~280 hp stock (often underrated; real figures were higher)
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Drivetrain: ATTESA E-TS AWD system
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Handling: Super-HICAS rear steering for cornering agility
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Top Speed: ~250 km/h (limited)
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0–100 km/h: ~4.9 sec (varies by generation)
Motorsport Legacy
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Dominated Group A racing in Japan and Australia during the R32 era.
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Earned the “Godzilla” nickname for crushing international competition.
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Served as a platform for Nismo’s motorsport engineering.
Legacy & Collectibility
The Skyline GT-R is now a JDM legend, with clean R32, R33, and R34 models becoming highly sought-after by collectors.
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R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur models have sold for over $500,000 at auctions.
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Popular in tuner culture — easily capable of 600+ hp with modifications.
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Cemented in pop culture through Gran Turismo, Initial D, and Fast & Furious.
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